Awful Truth Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Awful Truth.
Awful Truth Ending Explained: As China falls into hyperinflation following the end of the war, people fought tooth and nail to get their hands on the only reliable currencies in the world: gold and American dollars. Directed by Li Ping-Qian, this 1950 drama film stars Li Li-Hua (Su Man Na), alongside Han Fei as Chang Geng Liang, Yen Chun as Pan Chung Fu, Hsi-Yu Li as Manager Chao. With a 8/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of Awful Truth?
As China falls into hyperinflation following the end of the war, people fought tooth and nail to get their hands on the only reliable currencies in the world: gold and American dollars. This is a story that shows how seven bars and two thousand US dollars bring together an interesting mix of characters: an opportunistic manager, a materialistic courtesan, a con artist posing as a commissioner of the Treasury, a white-collar worker who will do anything for a promotion, a man who specialises in conning women, a father who marries off his daughter for money and a sorcerer who fakes his magic. In this dog-eat-dog world, the only truth is that everyone is lying for his own gain. Playing the courtesan who longs to be part of high society, Li Lihua steals the film with a feisty performance opposite the amusing Yan Jun, whose con artist character has a tendency to flirt with lyrics from Peking operas.
Li Ping-Qian's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Li Li-Hua (Su Man Na)'s journey. This is a story that shows how seven bars and two thousand US dollars bring together an interesting mix of characters: an opportunistic manager, a materialistic courtesan, a con artist posing as a commissioner of the Treasury, a white-collar worker who will do anything for a promotion, a man who specialises in conning women, a father who marries off his daughter for money and a sorcerer who fakes his magic.
How Does Li Li-Hua (Su Man Na)'s Story End?
- Li Li-Hua: Li Li-Hua's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Li Ping-Qian delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 59m runtime.
- Han Fei (Chang Geng Liang): Han Fei's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Yen Chun (Pan Chung Fu): Yen Chun's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Awful Truth Mean?
Awful Truth concludes with Li Ping-Qian reinforcing the drama themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Li Li-Hua leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.